“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.’” Revelation 3:14-16 Revelation 3 contains the remaining three letters to the seven churches:
(5) Church in Sardis (3:1-6). The Sardians were generally lazy and easy-going. There was no persecution against them, and no heretics or idolaters to give any trouble to the church. Christian living had become dull and monotonous. Just like the church in Sardis, many believers today have lost their initial enthusiasm of being Christians. Their love for the spiritual things of God has gradually cooled off. Jesus wants backsliders to repent and come back to God. When you are willing to do that, the Holy Spirit will help you recapture your past passion for Him.
(6) Church in Philadelphia (3:7-13). To this church, the Lord identifi es Himself as the one who opens doors that no one can shut. In the end-times when the gospel must be preached to every person in the world, God will open many doors for believers to share the message of salvation. While some will have to minister under hostile conditions, Jesus promises to preserve us in the midst of hardship. Your example of endurance will become the “pillars” or rallying points for the other Christians who may be faltering under the pressure of the trials and persecution.
(7) Church in Laodicea (3:14-22). The Laodiceans were affl uent and knowledgeable in the areas of business and medicine. Economic success and luxurious living had made them proud of their achievements, and they became lukewarm in their spiritual walk. There is nothing wrong with worldly possessions but the danger is getting “imprisoned” by them (Luke 8:14).
The Laodicean Christians were materially rich but spiritually poor. They may be clothed in fi ne garments but spiritually, they stood naked before the Lord. Jesus says that the things of this world are temporal. Do not confuse earthly values with heavenly ones. Neither justify self-righteousness as suffi cient in the sight of the Lord. Stop being complacent and start getting hungry for the eternal things of heaven again. When you do that, the Holy Spirit will anoint your eyes to see the spiritual purpose you have in God. Do not resist Jesus as He stands at the door of your heart, waiting for you to invite Him back into your life. Repent and be an overcomer, and you will receive the privilege of sitting with the Lord on His throne.
No comments:
Post a Comment